THE LAW - South Carolina Grand York Rite · PDF file~ 2 ~ The Law of the Grand Royal Arch...

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The Law of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of South Carolina consists of the Constitution, the By-Laws, the Approved Decisions of Past Grand High Priests, Current Standing Resolutions and a list of Past Grand High Priests, Past Grand Secretaries; suggested By-Laws for Consistent Chapters and Installation of Grand Officers. (All amended updates thru 3/11/2014 included) Committee on Jurisprudence

G. Ray Marsh, Chairman

R. Henry Brown

Robert J. Bean, Sr.

J.C. Hubbard, Jr.

Albert J. Wyatt March 15, 2011 (Date)

Lloyd F. Christopher, M. Ex. Grand High Priest March 14, 1995 (Date)

Attest: Robert C. Hopple R. Ex. Grand Secretary

Charles M. Schofield, M. Ex. Grand High Priest March 15, 2011 (Date)

Attest: Johnnie T. Morris Johnnie T. Morris R. Ex. Grand Secretary M. Ex. Grand Secretary March 14, 2009 March 11, 2014 (Date, Reformatted, Amended & Approved) (Last Date, Amended & Approved)

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Of Royal Arch Masonry

Of MMOOSSTT EEXXCCEELLLLEENNTT

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CONTENTS

Page I. Preamble - Constitution ............................................................ 4 - 6

II. By-Laws ................................................................................. 7 - 20

III. Rules of Order for Guidance of Chapters .................................... 21

IV. Digest of Decisions .............................................................. 22 - 35

V. Past Grand High Priests & Grand Recorders ....................... 36 - 37

VI Installation of Grand Officers .............................................. 38 - 44

VII Suggested Form of By-Laws for Subordinate Chapters ...... 45 - 49

VIII. Special Forms:

Suggested Form for By-Law Changes (Blank Form) .................. 50

Suggested Form for By-Laws Changes (Example) ..................... 51

Certification of New Officers – Subordinate Chapter ................. 52

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PREAMBLE

The Most Excellent Grand Royal Arch Chapter of South Carolina does hereby ordain, establish and promulgate the following Constitution and By-Laws for its future government, and does hereby make and prescribe the following Rules and Regulations for the government of the Chapters under its jurisdiction:

ARTICLE I

Name The name, style and title of this Grand Chapter shall be “The Most Excellent Grand Royal Arch Chapter of South Carolina.”

ARTICLE II Members

SECTION 1. The Grand Chapter Shall consist of a Grand High Priest, Deputy Grand High Priest, Grand King, Grand Scribe, Grand Chaplain, Grand Treasurer, Grand Secretary, Grand Captain of the Host, Grand Principal Sojourner, Grand Royal Arch Captain, three Grand Masters of the Veils, Grand Sentinel, Six District Deputy Grand High Priests, and the living actual and honorary Past Grand High Priests, and of the High Priests, Kings and Scribes for the time being of the several Chapters under the jurisdiction of this Grand Chapter; and the said enumerated Officers or the proxies of the said Officers of the several Chapters shall be members and voters in this Grand Chapter, to assist in its deliberations, to be placed on Committees, and shall be eligible to any office, but he shall not be permitted to vote on any subject.

SECTION 2. Every High Priest who has served for twelve months as the High Priest of a Chapter in this jurisdiction, and who continues to be affiliated with a Chapter therein, shall after he has registered his name in a book to be kept for that purpose by the Grand Secretary, be entitled to be present at all Convocations of the Grand Chapter, to assist in its deliberations, to be placed on Committees, and shall be eligible to any office but he shall not be permitted to vote on any subject. The stations of Grand Captain of the Host, Grand Principal Sojourner, Grand Royal Arch Captain, Grand Master of the Third Veil, Grand Master of the Second Veil, Grand Master of the First Veil, six District Deputy Grand High Priests, Grand Sentinel and Grand Chaplain shall be filled by appointment of the Grand High Priest, at his installation. Each appointee shall serve for the period of one Annual Convocation to the next succeeding Annual Convocation. (AMENDED 1996 & 2013)


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ARTICLE III

Grand Convocations

There shall be one Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter, which shall be

holden at such place as the Grand Chapter may from time to time determine,

during the Second Week in March, and such extra Convocations as the Grand High

Priest, or, in his absence from the Jurisdiction, the Deputy Grand High Priest, or, in

his absence from the Jurisdiction, the Deputy Grand High Priest, shall think proper

and necessary. No business shall be transacted unless five Chapters are

represented.

ARTICLE IV

Election of Officers

SECTION 1. The Grand Chapter shall proceed to the election of its officers at

such time during its Annual Convocation as may be deemed most expedient. No

Companion shall be eligible to the office of Grand High Priest, Deputy Grand High

Priest, Grand King, of Grand Scribe, but a High Priest or Past High Priest of a

Subordinate Chapter, nor to any other office in this Grand Chapter (except that of

Grand Chaplain and Grand Sentinel) unless he is a member thereof, or a Past High

Priest of a Subordinate Chapter. The Candidates having a majority of votes shall

be duly elected, and shall be installed as soon after the election as may be

convenient. The officers elected shall hold office for one year and until their

successors shall have been legally elected and installed.

SECTION 2. The Stations of Grand Captain of the Host, Grand Principal

Sojourner, Grand Royal Arch Captain, Grand Master of the Third Veil, Grand

Master of the Second Veil, Grand Master of the First Veil, six District Deputy

Grand High Priests, Grand Sentinel and Grand Chaplain shall be filled by

appointment of the Grand High Priest, at his installation. Each appointee serving

for the period of one Annual Convocation to the next succeeding Annual

Convocation. (AMENDED 1974, 2013)

ARTICLE V

Oath of Supremacy

Every officer of the Grand Chapter as well as of every Subordinate Chapter in

this Jurisdiction, shall at the time of his installation, take the oath to support and

maintain the Constitution of the Grand Chapter of South Carolina and that of the

General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, International.

ARTICLE VI

Powers

The Grand Chapter is the highest source of authority in Capitular Masonry in

this Jurisdiction, subject to the ancient landmarks and to the Constitution of the


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General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, International. As such it has the government and control of all Lodges of Mark Masters, Past Masters and Most Excellent Masters, and Chapters of Royal Arch Masons, within the State of South Carolina.

ARTICLE VII New Chapters

SECTION 1. A Chapter can only be formed by authority of a dispensation from the Grand High Priest or of a charter from the Grand Chapter, and no charter shall be granted to any Chapter until it shall have worked for a time under dispensation.

SECTION 2. Upon the petition of nine or more Royal Arch Masons in good standing being presented to the Grand High Priest, he may grant them a dispensation to open and hold a Chapter, and shall therein appoint the High Priest, King and Scribe.

SECTION 3. Such petition must have the recommendation of the Chapter nearest the place where the new Chapter is proposed to be located, certifying under its seal attested by the Secretary, that the petitioners are Royal Arch Masons in good standing and members of some Lodge of Ancient Free Mason in good standing, and that it is desirable to establish a Chapter at the place named.

SECTION 4. No warrant of dispensation for the institution of a new Chapter shall be granted for a less sum than ten dollars, and no charter shall be granted for a less sum than eighty dollars, in addition to the dispensation fee herein provided for.

ARTICLE VIII Amendments

This Constitution may be altered or amended in the following manner only: The proposed alteration or amendment must be made in writing. If seconded it shall be laid over for consideration at the Next Annual Convocation at which time the Grand High Priest shall put the question and if its adoption is concurred in by three-fourths (¾’s) of the members present and voting it shall from thenceforth be considered as a part and parcel of this Constitution.

ARTICLE IX York Rite Life Membership Program – “The Fund”

The Most Excellent Grand Royal Arch Chapter of South Carolina having adopted the “York Rite Membership Program – “The Fund” at the 1988 Annual Convocation shall together with its subordinate Chapters conform to and abide by the rules and regulations as set forth by the York Rite Life Membership Program – “The Fund”. All amendments to the York Rite Life Membership Program shall be submitted to the Grand Chapter at the Annual Convocation for approval. Added March 11, 2014…

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SECTION I Standing Committees

1. On the first day of the Annual Convocation the Presiding Officer shall appoint the following standing Committees, to serve until their successors shall have been duly appointed:

Credentials and Returns Address of the Grand High Priest for Topical Reference Finance Life Membership Fund Jurisprudence Necrology Appeals and Grievances Patriotism Auditing Resolutions of Appreciation Charters and Dispensations Royal Arch Research Assistance Masonic Youth Organizations Time and Place Education Unfinished Business Fraternal Relations (AMENDED 1974, 93 & 2006) 2. The Committee on Credentials and Returns shall examine the credentials of members and Representatives, shall report the Chapters that are represented, shall report names of members, Representatives, and others present, and the votes to which each one is entitled.

3. The Committee on the Address of the Grand High Priest for Topical Reference shall consider the address of the Grand High Priest and recommend distribution of the same to the proper committees.

4. The Committee on Finance shall annually study the condition and needs of the Grand Chapter, as shown in the reports of the Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary and as reflected in the report of the Auditing Committee. The said Committee shall take into consideration the conditions of the funds and estate of the Grand Chapter and all propositions and resolutions affecting its revenue which may be referred to such Committee. It shall report thereon, and may recommend any measure which, in its opinion, will operate for the financial benefit of the institution. (AMENDED 1974)

5. The Committee on Jurisprudence shall investigate and report upon all questions that may be referred to it by the Grand Chapter or Grand High Priest. 6. All matters of controversy and grievance brought before the Grand Chapter shall be referred to the Committee on Appeals and Grievances, whose duty it shall be to examine into the same and report thereon to the Grand Chapter.

7. The Committee on Charters and Dispensations shall examine work and records of all Chapters under dispensation and all proceedings relating to the same, and


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such other matters as shall be referred to it by the Grand Chapter, and report thereon.

8. The Committee on Per Diem and Mileage shall examine and report the names of members and Representatives entitled to per diem and mileage, and the amount to which each is entitled.

9. The Committee on Fraternal Relations shall review the proceedings of sister Grand Chapters and report thereon.

10 The Committee on Audit shall at the close of each fiscal year make a careful examination and audit of the books of the Grand Treasurer and the Grand Secretary, settle the balance, and certify to the Grand Chapter the condition, state, and repository of all funds and investments of the Grand Chapter. (AMENDED 1974)

11. The Committee of Masonic Youth Organizations shall review and report on the status of the Masonic Youth Organizations and report thereon. (AMENDED 2006)

12. The Committee on Education shall review and report on the Instructional Meetings.

13. The Committee on the Life Membership Fund shall supervise and operate the investment of all monies received. The funds shall be invested in insured instruments, government certificates, certificates of deposit, and such other instruments as may be most expedient and advantageous.

14. The Committee on the General Grand Chapter Medal shall select the recipient of said medal.

15. The Committee on Membership shall review the current membership statistics and report thereon.

16. The Committee on Necrology shall review the annual mortality reports and prepare appropriate memorials.

17. The Committee on Patriotism shall report on Patriotic and Civic Activities during the year.

18. The Committee on the Resolution of Appreciation shall annually prepare a Resolution of Thanks to the local Committee and others involved in the arrangements for the Annual Communication.

19. The Committee on Retirement. (Deleted-Dissolved 2008)

20. The Committee on R.A.R.A. (Royal Arch Research Assistance) shall receive and account for contributions and forward them to R.A.R.A.

21. The Committee on Time and Place shall recommend a city where the next Annual Communication is to be held.


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22. The Committee on Unfinished Business shall see that all matters presented have had due consideration. (AMENDED 1974 and 1993)

SECTION II Grand Chapter Officers

1. The Most Excellent Grand High Priest shall govern and preside over this Grand Chapter when present, and in his absence the Deputy Grand High Priest, Grand King, or Grand Scribe, taking precedence according to rank.

The Grand High Priest shall have all the prerogatives and powers of granting dispensations, usually vested in and exercised by said presiding officer.

On the first day of the Annual Convocation the Grand High Priest shall submit to the Grand Chapter a written address, to be printed with its transactions, setting forth an account of his official acts during the past year, and suggesting such recommendations for advancing such views as he may consider to be for the good of the Grand Chapter of its Subordinate Chapters, or for the advantage of Royal Arch Masonry in general.

2. The Grand Treasurer shall have charge of all the funds, securities and vouchers of the Grand Chapter, and shall pay all orders from the moneys on hand when such orders are signed by the Grand High Priest and attested by the Grand Secretary, provided that this shall not apply to payments for per-diem and mileage made at the Convocation of the Grand Chapter. It shall be his duty to attend all the convocations of the Grand Chapter, with the books of account, and vouchers for money paid out, in order that his accounts may be settled by a proper committee. Before entering upon the duties of his office he shall give bond in some standing guaranty company in such sum as the Grand High Priest may direct, the premium on said bond to be paid out of the funds of the Grand Chapter. In case of his failure to furnish the required bond, as aforesaid, within sixty days from his election, it shall be the duty of the Grand High Priest to forthwith appointing a Companion who will give said bond to act as Grand Treasurer in his stead until the next Convocation of the Grand Chapter. For the faithful performance of his duties he shall be paid such annual salary as the Grand Chapter shall from year to year determine. (AMENDED 1974)

3. The Grand Secretary shall record the transactions of the Grand Chapter, and shall attend personally each Convocation of the Grand Chapter with the necessary books and papers of his office, he shall keep the Seal of the Grand Chapter, and affix the same with his attestation to all instruments required to be so executed; he shall receive, receipt for, and immediately pay the Grand Treasurer all dues, fees, and other moneys, taking a proper voucher therefore; he shall keep a faithful journal of all the proceedings of the Grand Chapter, distribute the same when ordered printed for circulation, and conduct any correspondence required of him under the orders of the Grand Chapter of the directions of the Grand High Priest;


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he shall procure all the necessary books and stationery, to be paid for out of the funds of the Grand Chapter, shall have charge of all the records, jewels, papers, parchments, certificates, and documents other than those belonging to the Grand Treasurer; he shall do and perform any other duties customary to his office under the established usages of Royal Arch Masonry, and for his services he shall receive such annual salary as the Grand Chapter shall from year to year determine and a fee of one dollar for every certificate or dispensation attested by him. He shall authenticate no diploma that does not bear the signature of the Companion to whom it is to be issued. Before entering upon the duties of office, he shall give bond in some standard guaranty company in such sum as the Grand High Priest may direct, the premium for said bond to be paid out of the funds of the Grand Chapter; in case he shall fail to furnish the required bond within sixty days from his election, it shall be the duty of the Grand High Priest to forthwith appoint a Companion to act as Grand Secretary in his stead, who will furnish said bond, until the next regular Convocation of the Grand Chapter. (AMENDED 1974)

4. The Grand Sentinel shall be a worthy Royal Arch Mason. It shall be his duty to prepare the room for the Convocations of the Grand Chapter, see that its jewels and furniture are kept in safety and in good order, to deliver all notices handed in by the Grand Secretary, and to guard the door. For the faithful discharge of these duties he shall receive the same mileage and per diem as given to delegates. (AMENDED 1994) 5. The Grand High Priest shall appoint annually six Worthy Companions as District Deputy Grand High Priests, whose duties shall consist of:

(a) Being the direct personal representatives of the Grand High Priest

(b) Executing and carrying out all of his instructions

(c) Visiting all constituent Chapters in his District.

SECTION III

Voting in Grand Chapter 1. Each member of the Grand Chapter (except as provided in Article II, Section 1, of the Constitution of the Grand Chapter) is entitled to one vote, and each chartered Chapter to three votes, to be cast by the representatives present. If any officer of a Chapter is not present in person or by proxy, his vote may be cast by the senior officer present, or if none, by the proxy of the senior officer. If no officer or his proxy is present, the representative of the Chapter shall be entitled to three votes (AMENDED 1974)

2. Each one of the three principal officers possesses for himself the inherent prerogative of representing his Chapter at all Grand Chapter Convocations; also to appoint his own proxy for that purpose if by reason of inability he cannot attend in person. Such proxy shall be a member of the Chapter he represents.


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3. In case of the death or absence of any of the said officers of any Chapter, it may authorize one of its members to represent such officers by a resolution reciting such death or absence, certified by the Secretary under the Seal of the Chapter.

4. All questions before the Grand Chapter shall be determined by a majority of the votes given. The yeas and nays may be ordered upon any question at the request of five members. If the votes are equal on any question the presiding officer shall, in addition to his own vote, cast the deciding vote.

5. No Companion shall be allowed to vote both as a member and as a representative, but shall be required to give his vote as representative in preference to that as a member if he is present in both capacities.

SECTION IV Per Diem and Mileage

1. One Representative from each Chapter shall be entitled to receive the compensation recommended by the Finance Committee and approved by the Grand Chapter to cover his travelling expenses and also as a Per Diem for attending the Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter, provided, however, that such compensation shall not exceed the amount paid as dues to the Grand Chapter by the Chapter from which the Representative comes.

2. Grand Officers who attend the Annual Convocation shall be entitled to the same pay as delegates, but no member shall receive pay both as a delegate and as a Grand Officer.

SECTION V Chartered Chapters – Their Government

1. A Royal Arch Chapter consists of a High Priest, King, Scribe, Treasurer, Secretary, Captain of the Host, Principal Sojourner, Royal Arch Captain, three Masters of the Veils, a Sentinel and as many members as are convenient.

2. The election of the High Priest, King, Scribe, Treasurer and Secretary shall be by a majority vote by ballot and shall take place at the stated Convocation next preceding the festival of St John the Evangelist (December) or at the prior Convocation (November) and the officers-elect shall be installed as soon after the election as possible and on or before such festival, and such Officers shall hold office for the space of one year from the festival of St. John the Evangelist next succeeding their election, and until their successors shall have been duly elected and installed. Immediately after the installation the Secretary of each Chapter shall forward to the Grand Secretary of the Grand Chapter a certificate in the following form: “I hereby certify that on the Day of last, was elected High Priest, , King and , Scribe, of Chapter No. and that they have been regularly installed as such. Dated at: this Day of . , Secretary.”

* (See page 52 for Certification Form that may be copied or go online @ scgyr.org to be used electronically w/Adobe Reader 9.3)


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All other officers named in paragraph I shall be appointed by the High Priest, with the consent of the King and Scribe and be installed with the elective officers. (AMENDED 2008)

3. No officer can be recognized as such until he shall have been installed; but the old officers will exercise all the prerogatives of their respective offices until their successors shall have been installed.

4. No officer can resign his office or demit after he shall have been installed.

5. It is not necessary for the due and legal discharge of his functions that a High Priest-elect should received the Order of High Priesthood. But it is recommended that every High Priest should, as soon as convenient after his election; apply to a Convention of High Priests for admission to that order.

6. Every Chapter under this Jurisdiction shall assemble at least once in every three months, if possible; and any Chapter neglecting to meet for one year shall forfeit its warrant of Constitution, unless some satisfactory cause is assigned to the Grand Chapter for the neglect; and no Chapter can suspend its Convocations for any period between the 1st of September and the 1st of May except by a dispensation of the Grand High Priest. (AMENDED 2001)

7. When the High Priest of a Chapter is absent his duties must be performed by the King and Scribe in succession. If they should likewise be absent, the Chapter cannot be opened. The Warrant of Constitution is granted to the High Priest, King, and Scribe, and their successors in office, and to none else, and none else can lawfully act. But a Past High Priest may, at the request and under the authority of a King or Scribe, who is present, take the Chair and preside over the Chapter.

8. It shall be the duty of the High Priest, King, and Scribe of every Chapter to attend all Convocations of the Grand Chapter.

9. All business shall be done only in the Chapter, and nothing shall be done but conferring degrees unless there be present nine or more members of the particular Chapter.

10. Chapters should hold to a strict account all members who may be guilty of intemperance, gambling, immoral or disreputable conduct, or profane swearing and all who shall disobey the summons of the High Priest or of the Chapter.

11. Chapters may make By-Laws, after the consideration of the same one month, and, on notice given at any stated Convocation, may modify or abolish any existing By-Law or make a new one, at the next stated Convocation by a two-thirds vote of all its members present; Provided, the same shall not take effect until approved by the Grand High Priest.

12. Every Chapter shall have a Seal, with the name and number thereof engraved thereon, and impression of which shall be deposited with the Grand Secretary.


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13. As long as nine Companion Royal Arch Masons in good standing, members of a Chapter, desire to hold the Charter, the Chapter has no power to surrender it.

14. A Chapter cannot be called off from one day or night to another day of night, except in case of trials.

15. The powers of a High Priest are absolute in his Chapter, and members can only appeal from his decision to the Grand Chapter or the Grand High Priest. In exercise of sound discretion he has the right to temporarily exclude a member from the Chapter; such exclusion can be justified only upon grounds warranting charges of un-Masonic Conduct.

16. It is his duty to maintain order in his Chapter. To this end he may refuse admission to a member or cause an offending member to be removed from the Chapter. This he does to maintain order; but a member cannot be excluded when he is announced at the door because another member objects to his admission.

17. The ordinary correspondence of a Chapter shall be conducted by the High Priest, or by the Secretary under his direction, but all of its correspondence with Chapters of foreign jurisdictions pertaining to interchange of Courtesies, such as waiver of Jurisdiction, conferring of degrees, or similar matters, shall be handled through the Grand High Priests of the Jurisdictions at interest.

SECTION VI Property

1. When a Charter shall be surrendered or arrested, all the property of the Chapter, of whatever kind or description, shall be vested in the Grand Chapter, subject to the debts of the Chapter; provided, that upon the revival of the Chapter the property shall be restored to it by the Grand Chapter.

2. A Chapter cannot dispose of the funds of a Chapter for any other than strictly Masonic purposes.

SECTION VII Candidates

1. No candidate residing in or near any city or place where a Royal Arch Chapter is held shall be exalted in any other Chapter without a unanimous recommendation from the Chapter nearest to his place of residence; nor shall and Chapter exalt a candidate whose application has been rejected in any other Chapter, after having received notice of such rejection: and it is hereby made the duty of the Secretary of each and every Chapter under this Jurisdiction to give notice of the name, residence, and occupation of every rejected applicant of the Grand Secretary, who shall immediately communicate the same to the Subordinate Chapters under his Jurisdiction.


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2. Every Candidate for initiation must be of sound mind and capable of learning the art and complying reasonably with the requirements as to initiation ceremonies.

3. No Candidate shall be elected to receive the degrees in, nor any Royal Arch Mason, admitted a member of any Chapter in this Jurisdiction without the unanimous consent of all members of the Chapter then present. Nor shall an unaffiliated Mason be accepted as a candidate in any Chapter in this Jurisdiction.

4. Neither more nor less than three candidates can be exalted at one and the same time, but the system of substitutes is, in case of emergency, permissible.

5. No Petitioner for the degrees of Royal Arch Masonry shall be eligible unless he be a member in good standing of some Lodge of Ancient Free Masons.

6. A candidate for the Chapter Degrees must have resided for six months within the Jurisdiction of the Chapter where his petition is presented.

SECTION VIII Jurisdiction

The Territorial Jurisdiction for each Chapter, whether chartered or under dispensation, shall extend in all directions throughout the State of South Carolina. When a petition for Chapter Degree has been properly received, it becomes the Masonic material of the Chapter so received and can only be waivered by action of the Chapter. (AMENDED 2000 and 2001)

SECTION IX Petitions

1. All receptions of petitions, reports on same, and all balloting must be had at stated Convocations, and none are stated Convocations except those designated as such in the By-Laws of the Chapter.

2. All petitions for degrees or membership must lie over one lunar month.

3. After a petition is regularly received by a Chapter and entered upon its minutes; it cannot be withdrawn.

4. A petitioner for degrees or affiliation who has been rejected must again petition in writing, and the petition must be referred to a committee and lie over one lunar month.

5. After a petition for the degrees conferred in a Chapter has been rejected, no new petition shall be received from the applicant under six months.

6. A petition that may have been rejected by the Chapter having jurisdiction thereof may, upon the recommendation by a unanimous vote of such Chapter and the consent of its Council, be received and acted upon by any other Chapter.


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7. A petitioner has no right to know the names of the committee on his petition.

SECTION X Balloting and Objecting

1. A ballot need not be had on an unfavorable report.

2. A Chapter cannot excuse a member from voting on a petition for degrees or affiliation.

3. A unanimous ballot in favor of petitioners for degrees or affiliation is required.

4. A new ballot is required in case a petitioner does not take the degrees for one year after his election, and a new petition shall be required if the Chapter desires it.

5. A High Priest may order the ballot passed a second or perhaps a third time when he thinks that a black ball may have been cast by mistake. The result must be declared at the time and is final.

6. The right of a Companion to cast a black ball cannot be questioned in any case where a secret ballot is had; neither should the Chapter or any of its members attempt to find out who cast it: full protection must be given to the Companion casting the black ball.

7. Any Chapter can file objections in another Chapter against the conferring of any of the degrees, but the reasons must be given, and if of a trivial nature they need not be recognized; but if such as justify the preferring of charges, they must be respected.

SECTION XI Chapter Membership

1. A demitted Royal Arch Mason, who is also a demitted Master Mason, must affiliate with a Lodge before he can become a member of a Chapter.

2. Any Mark Master, Past Master, Most Excellent Master, or Royal Arch Mason, who for twelve months remains unaffiliated with and Lodge of Ancient Free Masons is ipso facto suspended in his Chapter, and every member of a Chapter is required to furnish the Secretary, at least once a year, with satisfactory evidence of his affiliation with some Lodge.

3. A Chapter should not consider a petition for membership unless accompanied by a demit or a certificate of Masonic standing equivalent to a demit under the law of the Grand Jurisdiction whence emanating.

4. A non-affiliating Royal Arch Mason never loses his right to petition for admission to a chartered Chapter, no matter where located.

5. A Companion must be vouched for or be examined before he can be elected a member of a Chapter.


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6. A candidate, under all circumstances, is a member of the Chapter which elects him, no matter by what Chapter the Degrees are conferred.

7. No Companion shall be expelled, suspended, or otherwise punished by any Chapter in this Jurisdiction unless written charges have been preferred at a stated Convocation, a copy of which is to be delivered to him if his place of residence be known, and trial has been had at some subsequent stated Convocation, when opportunity shall be given him to make his defense and power granted to summon witnesses if Companions, or to examine them by Commission if they are not.

8. The Only punishments recognized as Masonic are expulsion, suspension, definite of indefinite, reprimand and censure.

9. It shall require a vote of two-thirds to expel or suspend, but a majority may reprimand or censure.

10. No Mason having been expelled or indefinitely suspended can be restored except by a unanimous vote of the Chapter after petition and reference.

11. A Mason expelled or suspended by a Symbolic Lodge shall stand in the relation of an expelled or suspended Royal Arch Mason without further trial.

12. Any member may appeal from the decision of the Chapter to the Grand Chapter, whose decision shall be final; and the sentence of the Chapter in cases of trial shall be held in abeyance until the decision of the Grand Chapter is had when notice of appeal is given.

13. All trials of Companions shall take place in the Royal Arch Degree, but a Brother who is not a Royal Arch Mason shall be tried in the degree to which he has attained, but the final decision must be taken in the Royal Arch Degree.

14. There can be no appeal from the decision of the Grand Chapter to the General Grand Chapter.

SECTION XII Work

1. No Mark Master shall be exalted to the Royal Arch until his mark is recorded.

2. Nine members are necessary to open a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons. Eight brethren may open and work as a Lodge of Mark Masters, and seven as a Lodge of Past Masters or Most Excellent Masters.

3. It is not necessary to open a Chapter preliminary to opening a Lodge of Mark, Past, or Most Excellent Masters.


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SECTION XIII Visitors

1. Chapters subordinate to the Grand Chapter of South Carolina must require of all visitors for examination from other Jurisdictions prior to admission a declaration in the following words: “I do not stand suspended or expelled for any cause whatever; neither has my name been stricken from the roll of members, nor have I been suspended from membership for non-payment of dues in my Lodge of Master Masons of my Chapter of Royal Arch Masons.”

1. Chapters shall admit visiting companions from such Chapters only as hold warrants from Grand Chapters recognized by the Grand Chapter of South Carolina.

3. A visitor has the right to see the charter of the Chapter previous to his examination.

4. A visiting Companion is presented in a Chapter by courtesy only and can participate in the Chapter proceedings simply to the extent that leave is granted, and his action is simply advisory.

5. If a member of a Chapter objects to the admission of a visitor, the objection must be respected and the visitor denied admission.

6. Royal Arch Masons hailing from foreign Jurisdictions where the intermediate degrees are not conferred may be healed in and Chapter in this State without further expense and in such cases the Grand Chapter will exact no fee from the Chapter so conferring the intermediate degrees.

SECTION XIV Chapter Fees and Dues

1. Every Chapter under this Jurisdiction shall pay one dollar for every degree conferred therein, except for degrees conferred on ministers of God.

2. (a.) Every Chapter under this jurisdiction shall pay Ten dollars and fifty cents ($10.50) per annum for every life member and annual member of the Chapter, except Ministers of God who may be exempt from dues by its laws. (AMENDED 1994, 2006, 2008 and 2010)

(b.) And further that any companion who has been in good standing for a period of forty years, either consecutive or accumulative, shall be designated a “LIFE MEMBER” and shall be exempt from the payment of dues. (AMENDED 1978)

3. Chapters under dispensation shall be required to make returns and pay dues for all degrees conferred, as well as those working under warrants of Constitution; and as soon as a charter is ordered to be issued to a Chapter working under dispensation it shall be entitled to representation in the Grand Chapter, and the


~~ 1188 ~~

officers named in the dispensation shall be the officers under the warrant until their successors shall have been elected and installed.

4. Every Royal Arch Chapter under this Jurisdiction shall make an annual return in the prescribed form, containing full information of its members, number of degrees conferred, and dues up to St. John’s Day, and pay the amount due thereon to the Grand Secretary on or before the first day of February in the current year.

5. The Grand Secretary shall add and collect, as a part of the dues and fees of chartered Chapters, ten per centum of the gross amount thereof upon all such returns as are not forwarded to the Grand Secretary’s office on or before the first day of February in the current year.

6. Chapters may relieve or exempt any member from payment of dues to such Chapter, but such action will not relieve or exempt such Chapter from payment of the Grand Chapter dues for such members, except ministers of God, who may be exempt by its By-Laws.

7. Any Chapter neglecting for one year to make due payments without good cause shown to the satisfaction of the Grand Chapter shall be punished by the arrest of its charter, to be restored only on the payment of the dues and satisfactory reasons given for such non-payment.

8. A member’s dues begin at the date he is exalted or affiliated.

9. Members are not liable for dues during the suspension of their charter.

10. A suspended Companion cannot be charged with dues during the term of his suspension.

11. No Chapter shall confer the degrees for less than twenty dollars upon and candidate, except upon ministers of God.

12. It is unlawful to accept notes of other promises in payment of fees; and any rebate, donation or other device which in effect reduces the fees below twenty dollars is unlawful, and upon prima facie evidence that such has been done the Grand High Priest shall arrest the charter of such Chapter until the next annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter.

13. All dues to the Subordinate Chapters shall be payable annually in advance on December 31. Any companion failing to pay said dues on or before the following October 31 shall stand automatically erased from the roll of members. Should any Companion so erased pay said dues, or should the same be remitted by the Chapter, on or before the following December 31, he shall become automatically reinstated as of October 31 preceding.

14. A Chapter under dispensation does not collect dues nor pay Grand Chapter dues; those named in a dispensation creating a new Chapter pay dues to the chartered Chapter to which they belong.


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SECTION XV Chapters Under Dispensation

1. A Petition for dispensation to open and hold a new Chapter must be presented for the recommendation of the nearest chartered Chapter at a stated Convocation. No Petitioner can vote on the question of granting the recommendation.

2. The Grand High Priest before granting a dispensation for a new Chapter, must have satisfactory evidence that the proposed officers are duly qualified.

3. A Chapter under dispensation cannot meet or work without its warrant.

4. A Chapter under dispensation cannot admit or demit members, nor discipline offenders.

5. All who are named in a dispensation creating a new Chapter, together with those exalted therein, are entitled to vote on all matters coming before the Chapter.

6. An officer of a chartered Chapter may also be an officer of a Chapter under dispensation.

7. All who are named in a dispensation has no representation in the Grand Chapter, except by special vote of the Grand Chapter.

8. The charter members of a new Chapter should consist of those named in its dispensation, those exalted in the Chapter, and such Companions as the Chapter may select by a unanimous ballot.

9. A Chapter under dispensation has no power or authority except to advance Masons, and for that purpose has the same territorial jurisdiction as chartered Chapters.

SECTION XVI Miscellaneous

1. No Chapter can suspend its By-Laws even by unanimous consent.

2. All balloting for candidates must take place in the Royal Arch Degree.

3. No Chapter can at an extra Convocation alter of expunge the proceedings of a regular one.

4. The only Royal Arch apron acknowledged in this Jurisdiction is a square one, edged with scarlet ribbon, having the triple Tau Cross within a triangle, and that within a circle inscribed upon its flap. Silk or linen should not be used, and are strictly prohibited as being wholly un-Masonic. (AMENDED 1994)


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5. On all subjects upon which these By-Laws, together with the Constitution of this Grand Chapter and the General Grand Chapter, are silent, the laws, usages, and customs of Ancient Craft Masonry prevailing in this Jurisdiction shall govern.

6. Every motion or resolution shall be reduced to writing, if required, and the member offering the same shall read it in his place and then present it to the presiding officer.

7. All papers coming before the Grand Chapter which are to be referred to committees shall be placed in the hands of the Grand Secretary, and by him passed to the appropriate committee, before they shall be considered as matters for record.

8. No person shall speak more than twice on any subject, unless to explain, without permission from the chair.

9. Every member wishing to speak on a question must rise and address the Chair.

10. No member shall interrupt the Presiding Officer or any member when speaking.

11. No Companion shall be permitted to sit as a visitor in the Grand Chapter without the consent of the Presiding Officer of the Grand Chapter.

12. No member or visitor shall retire during the transaction of business without permission from the Chair.

13. All Committees shall be appointed by the Chair.

14. There can be no appeal from the decision of the Chair, except to the Grand Chapter.

SECTION XVII

Amendment No By-Law shall be altered or done away with, or new one adopted, until the proposed alteration, amendment, nullification or addition be reduced to writing and seconded by five members. It shall then be entered upon the minutes and lie over until the next succeeding Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter when, if approved by two-thirds of the members present, the same shall be adopted. Provided, That by unanimous consent and proposition as aforesaid may be acted upon at the Convocation at which it is introduced.

RRUU LL EE SS OO FF OO RR DD EE RR FF OO RR GGUU II DD AA NN CC EE OO FF CC HH AA PP TT EE RR SS

~~ 2211 ~~

RULES OF ORDER FOR GUIDANCE OF CHAPTERS

1. When a Companion desires to speak, he shall arise from his seat and address the High Priest, and not proceed to speak until recognized by that officer.

2 The High Priest shall decide all questions of order.

3. There can be no appeal from the decision of the presiding officer except to the Grand Chapter.

4. No member shall speak more than twice upon the same question (unless to explain) without the permission of the Chapter.

5. No motion shall be entertained until seconded, and no debate had thereon until it is stated by the High Priest.

6. When a question is under debate, no motion shall be received but to postpone, indefinitely or to a time certain, to refer, or to amend, which motions shall always be in order, and shall take precedence in the order named.

7. Any member may call for a division when the vote may appear doubtful.

8. The usual rules of parliamentary practice, so far as they agree with Masonic usage, and do not conflict with these By-Laws, or the laws of the Grand Chapter, shall be the guide in all questions that may come before this Chapter

DD II GG EE SS TT OO FF DDEE CC II SS II OO NN SS

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A DIGEST OF DECISIONS

BY SAMUEL T. LANHAM, PGHP

Note: The Grand High Priest Having asked for the completion and rearrangement of this Capitular Digest, the Grand Chapter having approved his recommendation for the printing of the revisal, it has been a labor of love to endeavor to perform the task thus assigned, in accordance with the wishes of my Companions. I am glad to report that this piece of work has been finished according to its original design, and that I am now able to present to the Royal Craft a syllabus of every reported Decision from 1901 to 1923 inclusive. I have not undertaken to go back to the beginning of the century. The importance of having such a compendium of information will readily be understood by every thinking Craftsman who has had the responsibility of presiding over a Chapter, Royal Arch law is a exceedingly interesting bit of jurisprudence, based largely upon the jurisprudence of Symbolic Masonry, yet differing from it in some important particulars. The casual student of Capitular Jurisprudence would seek the answer to every question, when unable to find a definite statutory provision in Royal Arch law, by reference to the last sentence of our By-Laws, sometimes called the “blanket provision” and by consulting the Code of the Grand Lodge. But the thoughtful student will find that in many cases this has been done for him by the Grand High Priest, whose carefully stated opinion has been deliberately considered, reviewed and passed upon by the Grand Chapter. A digest of such Decisions should be of real value to every High Priest, in helping him to find the correct solution of difficult questions which will confront him during his administration of the affairs of his Chapter. It is true that the Grand High Priest is only a constitutional officer, whose authority may be limited at any time by the action of Grand Chapter. For instance, by implication of our law (By-Lass, Section V, Subdivision 9) there may be a appeal from the ruling of the Grand High Priest. Such an appeal was actually taken in a recent case (Proceedings 1922, Page 7). It was well understood that no such appeal would lie from the Grand Master of Masons. He reports for the consideration of the Craft such of his Decisions as he chooses, and these (but no others) are reviewed by the Grand Lodge. But while the general powers of the Grand Master are inestimably greater than those of the Grand High Priest, we think it may be observed, on the other hand, that the Decision of the Grand High Priest, when approved by Grand Chapter, are more often cited with approval and more frequently followed, than the Decisions of the Grand Master, In the Grand Lodge of South Carolina we think so little of precedent that even “the weight of decided opinion has no binding force among us.” The limited force of Grand Lodge decisions on points of law is well understood (Code of Grand Lodge, Sections 10. 189) but we apprehend that those decisions which have been approved by the Grand Chapter, from whose judgment there is no appeal (By-Laws, Section XIII, Subdivision 14) amount to something more. S.T.L.


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AFFILIATION, REGULAR PETITION REQUISITE FOR

A Companion residing within the territorial jurisdiction of a Chapter received for it the Most Excellent and Royal Arch degrees “upon the recommendation” of another chapter, which had previously conferred upon him the degrees of Mark Master and Past Master. After the lapse of some time, wishing to become a member of the Chapter wherein he had been exalted, this companion signed the roll of that Chapter, which thereafter considered him one of its members in good standing. Held, that the companion was not a member of either Chapter. His exaltation gave him the right to membership in the Chapter which had elected him, if he had signified his intention to become a member at that time. But having disclaimed any such intention, he was a member on no chapter, and could only obtain the membership which he desired in the Chapter that exalted him by regular petition, as in the case of any other non-affiliate. John R. Bellinger, 1901

AUTOMATIC SUSPENSION AND REINSTATEMENT

One who has been suspended for a definite period by his Lodge is automatically suspended for the same length of time by his Chapter; at the expiration of the period of his suspension, he is automatically reinstated in the Chapter. George S. Mower, 1915

AUTOMATIC SUSPENSION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE “FORMER JEOPARDY”

But such suspension in the Chapter, following the action of the Lodge, is automatic, and does not involve the idea of trial by the Chapter. Jurisprudence Committee, 1915

AUTOMATIC SUSPENSION FOR INDEFINITE PERIOD

Reinstatement in the Blue Lodge, following sentence of indefinite suspension, does not automatically restore to Chapter membership. The brother can only be reinstated in the Chapter after regular petition, reference to a committee, and unanimous ballot. Samuel T. Lanham, 1920.

AUTOMATIC SUSPENSION OF EXPULSION

A member of a Chapter who is expelled or suspended from his symbolic Lodge stands in the relation of an expelled of suspended member of his Chapter, without further trial. William A. Giles, 1918


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AUTOMATIC SUSPENSION OR EXPULSION, WHAT EVIDENCE NECESSARY

Where a companion was expelled by his symbolic Lodge after trial for un-Masonic conduct, the statement of the Master of the Lodge to the Secretary of the Chapter is sufficient notice to the Chapter, though the better practice is to ask the Secretary of the Lodge to give such notice in writing, under the seal of the Lodge. O. Frank Hart, 1923

BALLOT, IRREGULARITY IN, DOES NOT VITIATE ELECTION

Although it is irregular to ballot upon the petitions of a number of candidates at one ballot, such irregularity does not vitiate the election. George S. Mower, 1914

BALLOT UPON PETITIONS, SECRECY OF

Any Royal Arch Mason disclosing to any who is not a Royal Arch Mason the fact that a companion had refused to sign a favorable report upon a petition for admission to the Chapter, is guilty of a Masonic offense, and subject to trial and punishment therefore. This applies with especial force where the disclosure was made to the petitioner himself. George S. Mower, 1915

BALLOT MUST BE TAKEN ANEW AFTER ONE YEAR

(a) The provision contained in Section X, subdivision 4 of the By-Laws applies, even though the petitioner has received the Mark Master’s degree during the year. The new ballot is required in case the petitioner does not take the degrees within one year after his election, clearly meaning all the degrees.

Jurisprudence Committee, 1907

(b) But a new petition need not be filed, unless expressly required by the Chapter. The fee paid with the original petition is not necessarily forfeited but may be applied upon the Chapter fees. George S. Mower, 1915

(c) This principle holds, even though five years may have elapsed since the date of the first petition. Jurisprudence Committee, 1916

(d) The same principle followed in a case where several years had elapsed. Eustace P. Miller, 1922

BOOK OF MARKS

It is the duty of the Secretary of each Chapter to have his Book of Marks present at every regular Convocation of the Chapter. Jurisprudence Committee, 1912


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CERTIFICATE EQUIVALENT TO DEMIT

A Royal Arch diploma, taken in connection with a letter from the Grand Secretary of New Brunswick, held to be equivalent to a demit. Samuel T. Lanham, 1921

CHAPTERS JURISDICTION OVER ELECTED MATERIAL

A Chapter having elected a petitioner who had a lawful Masonic residence within its territorial jurisdiction, and having thus acquired jurisdiction over him as Masonic material, does not lose this jurisdiction, even though several years may have elapsed, during which time the petitioner has changed both his residence and his Lodge membership to another point within the State. Joseph Lindsay, 1908

CHAPTER RETAINS JURISDICTION UNTIL ARREST OF CHARTER

Where candidates for the degrees have applied to an inactive Chapter which is not holding any meetings, and wish to apply to another Chapter to have the degrees conferred; this cannot be permitted until the charter of the inactive Chapter has been arrested. Jurisprudence Committee, 1905

CLOSING MUST BE ON ROYAL ARCH DEGREE WHEN CHAPTER HAS BEEN OPENED

Whenever a Chapter has been opened for any convocation, although labor may have been suspended in the Chapter, and a Lodge opened on one of the lower degrees, and although the immediate purpose of the convocation may have been fully carried out after the conferring of such degrees, the convocation cannot be closed on that degree; labor must be resumed in the Chapter, and the closing should be in due form upon the Royal Arch degree. Jurisprudence Committee, 1908

COURTESY DEGREES, NO GRAND CHAPTER DUES THEREON

A Chapter is not liable for the Grand Chapter Dues on account of degrees conferred by courtesy for another Chapter, even though the charter of the electing Chapter was arrested before the degrees were actually conferred, it appearing that the conferring Chapter acted in good faith, and without knowledge of the fact that the charter had been arrested. Jurisprudence Committee, 1905


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CRYPTIC PROTECTION STATUTE, EFFECT OF, UPON PETITION ALREADY RECEIVED

While there must be a new ballot upon the petition of one who was legally elected to receive the Capitular degrees more than a year ago, and prior to the adoption of the Cryptic Protection Statute (By-Laws, Section IX, Subdivision 5) the petitioner does not have to send a new petition, unless expressly required to do so by the Chapter. The fee paid with the petition is not necessarily forfeited, but may be applied upon the Chapter fees. Samuel T. Latham, 1920

DEMIT BEING DESTROYED, HIGHEST EVIDENCE OBTAINABLE IS REQUIRED

When a petitioner applies for affiliation, he should present with his petition the best evidence of his Masonic status that can be furnished. His demit having been destroyed, the highest evidence of what it contained is to be found in the records of the Chapter which issued it; if these records are not extant; reference may then be had to the Grand Secretary’s card index file. Samuel T. Lanham, 1920

DEMIT GRANTED ONLY UPON WRITTEN REQUEST AND ONLY UPON VOTE OF CHAPTER

A request for a demit must be made in writing, and must be submitted to a vote of the Chapter. There is no law requiring this vote to be taken by ballot. Samuel T. Lanham, 1920

DEMITS GRANTED TO ROYAL ARCH MASONS ONLY

It is not competent of a Chapter to grant a demit to any but a Royal Arch Mason; it may, however, waive jurisdiction on a Mark Master, Past Master, or Most Excellent Master. J. Edwin McDonald, 1903

DEMITS ISSUED TO A MARK MASTER IS MERE CERTIFICATE OF GOOD STANDING

A demit is issued to a Mark Master by a Chapter of a Foreign Jurisdiction is construed as being merely a certificate that the brother presenting it is a regularly made Mark Master Mason, and in good standing as such. It does not possess the force and effect of a demit issued to a Royal Arch Mason, and the holder of it is still the material of the Chapter from which it emanated. John R. Bellinger, 1901


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DUAL MEMBERSHIP

A Companion whose Grand Chapter prohibits dual membership cannot be a dual member in South Carolina. Lunice H Ulm, 1965

ERASURE FOR N.P.D., WHAT NOTICE SUFFICIENT TO REQUIRE APPEARANCE FOR TRIAL

(a) The sending of a registered letter to the last known address of a Companion is sufficient notice to him to show cause why his name should not be erased for N.P.D., even though the registered letter has been returned unclaimed. William E. Gantt, 1910

(b) The fact that he mailed his check on the day that he was notified to appear for trial does not abridge the Chapter’s right to ballot upon his erasure and suspend him. His payment must be in the hands of the Secretary before the time for the ballot. Samuel T. Lanham, 1921

FEES, IN WHAT CASE PROPER TO RETURN

Where a petitioner has paid all fees for the Capitular degrees, and has failed for a number of years to attend for the purpose of receiving them, it is proper for the Chapter, at his request, to retain that portion of the fees which should have accompanied the petition, under the By-Laws of the Chapter, and to return the balance to the petitioner. George S. Mower, 1915

GENERAL GRAND CHAPTER LAWS CONTROL CONFERRING OF DEGREES

High Priests and officers of Chapters must adhere strictly to the laws for the conferring of degrees as laid down by the General Grand Chapter. Jurisprudence Committee, 1909

GENERAL GRAND CHAPTER REPRESENTATIVES TO

The Grand Chapter shall send two representatives to the Triennial Convocations of the General Grand Chapter, one of whom shall be the Grand Secretary. J. Edwin McDonald, 1904


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GRAND CHAPTER DUES

Under the provision of Capitular Law that a Chapter “is not required to contribute for members for whom fees shall have been paid to the Grand Chapter during the year” (By-Laws, Section XVI, Subdivision 2), a Chapter is not required to pay Grand Chapter dues upon members affiliated during the year, who had been exalted by another South Carolina Chapter during the current year. Samuel T. Lanham, 1920

GRAND CHAPTER LAW BINDING ON EVERY CHAPTER

A Chapter cannot justify its violation of law adopted by the Grand Chapter, by a plea of ignorance; since each Chapter is, or ought to be represented at each annual Convocation, it receives constructive notice of the law there adopted. Ignorance of the law is not a valid excuse, and each Chapter must comply with the law in all respects. James L. Michie, 1913

GRAND REPRESENTATIVES, COMMISSIONS OF

(a) The commissions of the Grand Representatives of the Grand Chapter of South Carolina near other Grand Chapters continue in force during the pleasure of the Grand High Priest, subject to revocation wherever any representative fails to attend, except for cause, two consecutive annual convocations of the Grand Chapter to which he is credited. Committee on Foreign Correspondence, 1901

(b) Grand Representatives of the Grand Chapter of South Carolina near the other Grand Jurisdictions are our representatives. Lunice H. Ulm, 1965

(c) Our Commissions to Grand Representatives are for life unless revoked for cause. John H. Wynn, 1963

HIGH PRIEST, ELIGIBILITY FOR OFFICE OF

Any member in good standing is eligible for election to the office of High Priest of his Chapter; it is not necessary that he shall have filled the office of King or Scribe. John R. Bellinger, 1902

HIGH PRIEST, POWERS OF

The powers of a High Priest in the Government of his Chapter are analogous to those of the Master of a Lodge. George S. Mower, 1914


~ 29 ~

INTERVAL BETWEEN CHARTER AND CONSTITUTION

No degrees may be conferred by a Chapter in the interval between the time that its charter is granted and the time of its constitution under charter. William E. Gantt, 1910

INVESTIGATION COMMITTEE, DUTIES OF, ON LEARNING OF PETITIONER’S ELECTION ELSEWHERE

The committee of investigation having learned that the petitioner, while a resident of the State of Georgia, had been elected by a Chapter there, should report this fact to the Chapter, which will return the fee to the petitioner, since he is the material of the Georgia Chapter. Samuel T. Lanham, 1920

INVESTIGATION COMMITTEE, DUTIES OF, UPON LEARNING OF FORMER REJECTION

A committee of investigation having learned of the previous rejection of the petitioner less than six months prior to the date of the second petition, it should not make any report, favorable of unfavorable, upon the merits of the petition, but should report the fact of rejection, together with a reference to the existing law as found in Section IX, Subdivision 5, of the By-Laws. Samuel T. Lanham, 1920

JURISDICTION OF CHAPTERS, AS TO NON-RESIDENTS

A Master Mason who is a resident within the territory of another Grand Jurisdiction cannot apply to a Chapter within this State, even though he holds membership in a symbolic Lodge located in this Grand Jurisdiction. Residence, not Blue Lodge membership, is the constitutional requirement to give jurisdiction. William E. Gantt, 1910

JURISDICTION OF REVIVED CHAPTER

A chartered Chapter retains jurisdiction over material elected by it, notwithstanding the fact that such material has removed from the State, and even though the Chapter may have surrendered its charter and remained dormant for a time; upon the revival of the Chapter, it is competent for the Chapter to confer the degrees upon such material. James L. Michie, 1913


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LIFE MEMBERSHIP

A Chapter may confer life membership for eminent Masonic service, whether such service was rendered to this Grand Chapter, or in the field of symbolic Masonry. Samuel T. Lanham, 1920

MEMBERSHIP IN CHAPTER NOT DEPENDENT UPON SIGNING BY-LAWS OF CHAPTER ROLL

Upon his exaltation a Royal Arch Mason becomes a member, ipso facto, of the Chapter which elected him, even though the Royal Arch degree may have been conferred by courtesy in another Chapter. Since the adoption of Section 122 of the Code of the Grand Lodge of South Carolina, it is not necessary that a Royal Arch Mason shall sign the By-Laws, or the membership roll of the Chapter which elected him, in order to become a member of such Chapter. O. Frank Hart, 1923

MINISTERS OF GOD, THEOLOGICAL STUDENTS One who has completed his first year at a Theological Seminary is a Minister of God, within the meaning of a By-Law of a subordinate Chapter which reads “Minister of God shall not be charged any fees for degrees in this Chapter.” O. Frank Hart, 1923

OPENING AND CLOSING, ON WHAT DEGREE

At any convocation where work is done in any of the Capitular degrees, it is the proper practice to open on the highest degree in which work is to be done, after which labor should be suspended in that degree, and a Lodge opened on the lower degree in which it is desired to work; after completing the work, that Lodge should be closed in due form, and labor resumed on the higher degree, upon which higher degree the closing ceremony should be carried out in due form. At a special convocation to confer one of the three preparatory degrees, both the opening and closing may be in due form upon that degree; not necessarily so, however, for it is perfectly lawful for a Chapter to be opened on the Royal Arch degree, suspend labor, open and work on a lower degree, close upon that degree and resume labor in the Chapter, which should then be closed in due form. Jurisprudence Committee, 1908


~ 31 ~

OPENING AND CLOSING AT SPECIAL CONVOCATIONS,

ON WHAT DEGREE

At a special convocation of the Chapter called for the purpose of conferring the degrees of Mark Master and Past Master, it is lawful to open a Lodge of Mark Masters in due form, and after conferring that degree and closing thereon in short form, to open a lodge of Past Masters in like manner, and after conferring that degree, to close the convocation in due form on the Past Master’s degree. Decision of Jurisprudence Committee of 1908 criticized. O. Frank Hart, 1923

PETITIONER, QUALIFICATIONS OF, MUST BE MASTER MASON IN GOOD STANDING IN REGULAR LODGE

An unaffiliated Master Mason cannot apply for the Capitular Degrees. Frank E. Harrison, 1906 George S. Mower, 1914

PETITION FOR REINSTATEMENT

A companion suspended for N.P.D. and rejected upon his petition for reinstatement is not required to wait six months before renewing his petition. He may apply again at the next stated convocation. Samuel T. Lanham, 1920

PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS

The High Priest of the Chapter shall determine the physical qualifications of a candidate to receive the degrees in a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons. W. Jay Horne, 1967

A brother who has lost his right hand at or above the wrist cannot comply with our law. Eustace P. Miller, 1922 Joe F. Edmonds, 1966

PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS, INJURY TO LEFT HAND

A Master Mason who has lost the four fingers of the left hand at the first joint is physically qualified to be made a Royal Arch Mason. Samuel T. Latham, 1920


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PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS, LOSS OF HAND A Master Mason who has lost his hand, the amputation having been made just above the wrist, is thereby “disqualified from conforming to the ceremonies and requirements of the Chapter.” He is not eligible for membership, and the Chapter Degrees may not lawfully be conferred upon him. Frank E. Harrison, 1906

QUALIFICATIONS AS TO RESIDENCE (a) Six months’ residence within the jurisdiction of a Chapter is necessary, for a Master Mason to become material of the Chapter. James L. Michie, 1912 (b) This provision of our law is specific, and cannot be evaded, even though the petitioner presents a waiver of jurisdiction from the Chapter nearest his former home in another State. William A. Giles, 1918 REINSTATEMENT IN CHAPTER AFTER RE-AFFILIATION IN LODGE One who has become an unaffiliated Master Mason is ipso facto suspended from Chapter membership after the lapse of one year. Re-affiliation with his Lodge does not automatically restore him to Chapter membership; he can only be reinstated in the Chapter by regular petition, reference to a committee, and unanimous ballot. Jurisprudence Committee, 1918 Samuel T. Latham, 1921

REINSTATEMENT AND AFFILIATION

One who held membership in a Chapter which became defunct, but who did not join in the petition for restoration when it was subsequently revived, and who now wishes to renew his Chapter membership, has two courses open to him; he may obtain the Grand Secretary’s certificate, showing that he was clear of the books and in good standing at the time his Chapter surrendered it’s charter, which certificate operates as a demit, and with which he may apply to any Chapter; or he may apply directly to the Chapter of which he was a member, stating the facts, and asking for affiliation. James L. Michie, 1913

REPRESENTATION IN GRAND CHAPTER

A Chapter being represented at the annual convocation of Grand Chapter by its King, and by another Companion who is present as the proxy of the High Priest, the King is the ranking representative, and as such is entitled to cast the greater number of votes. Eustace P. Miller, 1922


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REVIVAL OF DORMANT CHAPTER, WHO ARE ENTITLED TO VOTE All companions who were in good standing at the time a Chapter became dormant are entitled to vote when the Chapter is revived. Joseph Lindsey, 1908

SOLDIER IN REGULAR ARMY, WAIVER REQUIRED A Master Mason who is a soldier in the Regular Army, does not acquire a Masonic residence by being stationed within the jurisdiction of a Chapter for a period of nine months. That Chapter cannot entertain his petition unless it be accompanied by a waiver of jurisdiction from the Chapter nearest the petitioner’s place of residence where he enlisted in the Army. Samuel T. Lanham, 1920

SOLICITATION OF CHAPTER PENNIES Solicitation of South Carolina Chapters by mail for pennies by out-of-state persons is taboo. John H. Wynn, 1963

STANDING IN BLUE LODGE It is the duty of the Secretary of a Chapter to require every member of the Chapter once every year to submit evidence of his standing in his Lodge. William A. Giles, 1918

U.D. CHAPTER, QUALIFICATIONS OF OFFICERS

An unaffiliated Royal Arch Mason cannot be one of the officers of a Chapter under dispensation. James L. Michie, 1913

U.D. CHAPTERS, REQUISITES OF PETITION FOR

It is proper, though not necessary, for every petitioner for a new Chapter to show by the petition the name and number of the Lodge in which he holds membership, and of the Chapter to which he belongs. James L. Michie, 1913

UNAFFILIATED ROYAL ARCH MASON An unaffiliated Royal Arch Mason may not sign a petition for the formation of a Chapter under dispensation. He must first affiliate with some chartered Chapter. Neither may such unaffiliated Royal Arch Mason apply for affiliation to a Chapter under dispensation, until after it has received its charter. George S. Mower, 1914


~ 34 ~

UNMASONIC CONDUCT, ADVANCEMENT STAYED IN CHAPTER

PENDING TRIAL IN SYMBOLIC LODGE

Where an accusation of un-Masonic conduct is made against a Brother who has received the degrees of Mark Master and Past Master, the Chapter must not further advance the candidate until the matter has been acted upon by the Blue Lodge to which he belongs. If the Lodge trial results in a verdict of Not Guilty, the Chapter may then spread the ballot, if it desires to do so, and if the ballot is fair, may confer the remaining degrees. O. Frank Hart, 1923

VACANCY IN APPOINTIVE OFFICE

A vacancy in one of the appointive offices caused by the death of the appointee may be filled by dispensation. William E. Gantt, 1911

WAIVER OF JUSISDICTION, NOT LAWFUL IN CASE OF SOJOURNER

A Master Mason, a resident of this State, temporarily sojourning in another State while attending school, applied for a waiver from the Chapter nearest his home, in favor of the Chapter in the Foreign Jurisdiction, nearest the school which he is attending. Held’ that the Chapter could not lawfully waive its jurisdiction in such a case, since the Brother’s stay in the other State is only temporary, and does not affect his bona fide residence. O. Frank Hart, 1923

WAIVER OF JURISDICTION, OVER ELECTION MATERIAL

A Chapter having elected a petitioner who has subsequently moved to another jurisdiction, it is competent for that Chapter to waive its jurisdiction in favor of a particular Chapter in the Grand Jurisdiction to which the Brother has moved, and to return the fee paid by him, if it desires to do so. William A. Giles, 1918

WAIVER OF JURISDICTION SEVERS RELATION

When a Chapter has waived its jurisdiction over one whom it has received and acknowledged as a Most Excellent Master, such waiver severs all connection between the Chapter and the Brother in question. J. Edwin McDonald, 1903


~ 35 ~

WAIVER OF JURISDICTION UPON MATERIAL MOVING INTO ANOTHER STATE

A Chapter may waive jurisdiction on its material moving into another Grand Jurisdiction, before the Brother has acquired Masonic residence there, but such waiver may be granted only by unanimous secret ballot. George T. Bryan, 1917 O. Frank Hart, 1923

WAIVER OF JURISDICTION WITHIN THE STATE

It is competent for a Chapter to waive its jurisdiction over a Brother residing in its territory, in favor of another Royal Arch Chapter, if it wishes so to do; but the Chapter in whose favor such waiver is made cannot entertain the petition of the Brother in question unless and until it shall be in possession of a certificate, under seal, setting forth the fact of the waiver. Samuel T. Lanham, 1921

GGRRAANNDD HHIIGGHH PPRRIIEESSTTSS OOFF TTHHEE GGRRAANNDD CCHHAAPPTTEERR,, RR..AA..MM.. OOFF SSOOUUTTHH CCAARROOLLIINNAA

~~ 3366 ~~


* 1812-14 William Young (15/1) * 1815 Edward Hughes (15/1) * 1816-20 William Young (15/1) * 1821-23 Hon Joel Roberts Poinsett (1) * 1824-26 Hon John Lyde Wilson (8) * 1827-29 James Eyland (1) * 1830 Alexander McDonald (1) * 1831-32 John Ralph Rogers (1) * 1833-41 (Dormant) * 1841-42 Horatio Gates Street (1) * 1843-53 Dr John Henry Honour, DD (11) * 1854-66 Albert Gallatin Mackey (1) * 1867-69 Robert Stewart Bruns (11) * 1870 Montgomery Moses (25) * 1871-72 Col James Alfred Hoyt (7) * 1873 James Birnie (22) * 1874-75 Augustine Thomas Smythe 11/3) * 1876-77 William Kennedy Blake (33) * 1878-79 Wilmot G. DeSaussure (1) * 1880 Dr Franklin Fincher Gary (17) * 1881-82 James Adger Smyth (1) * 1883 Hon Richard Cannon Watts (6) * 1884-85 George Dwight Bryan (3) * 1886 John Enoch Breazeale (7) * 1887 William Tully Branch (17) * 1888 Morris Clarke (35) * 1889 Andrew Hutchison White (32) * 1890 Aristippus Doty (3) * 1891-93 William Harper Witherow (2) * 1894-96 Jacob Thomas Barron (5) * 1897 Henry Claremont Moses (25) * 1898-99 Frank Turner Wilhite (7) * 1900-01 John Rice Bellinger (22) * 1902-04 James Edwin McDonald (2) * 1905-06 Francis Eugene Harrison (17) * 1907-08 Joseph Lindsay (14) * 1909-10 William Edward Gantt (1) * 1911-12 James Leslie Michie (10) * 1913-14 George Sewell Mower (18) * 1915-16 George Twiggs Bryan (22) * 1917-18 William Andrew Giles (23) * 1919-20 Samuel Tucker Lanham (33) * 1921 Eustace Percival Miller (30) * 1922 Oliver Frank Hart (5) * 1923-24 Wm Whetstone Wannamaker (13) * 1925-27 Charles K. Chreitzberg (32) * 1928-29 John D. Lee (25)

* 1930-31 Robert T. Goodale (4) * 1932 Wm W Edgerton (41) * 1933-35 Joseph E. Hart (15) * 1935 Frank E. Harrison, Jr. (17) * 1936 Edward Hall Pinckney (1) * 1937-38 L D Simpson (59) * 1939-40 D C Robertson (58) * 1941-42 Herbert Michel Hucks (45) * 1943-44 Jack Caughman Pate (25) * 1945-46 John Stuart Taylor (22) * 1947-48 Willie Curtis Sheely (5) * 1949-50 Hugh Nettles Layne (33) * 1951 Andrew Jas Matheson Wannamaker (13) * 1952-53 Miller Leonidas Love Sr (31) * 1954 Luther W Parker (1) * 1955 William Nettles Bradford (25) * 1956 Henry Fitzhugh Collins (5) * 1957 Fred Sitgreaves McFadden (32) * 1958 Everett Vachel Hinton (55) * 1959 Marion Alston Park Sr (5) * 1960 Samuel Arthur Bannister (7) * 1961 George Hugh Ballinger (33) * 1962 Charles James Petersen Sr (22) * 1963 John Howard Wynn (1) * 1964 James Blakney Rivers (23) * 1965 Lunice Herndon Ulm (5) * 1966 Joe Franklin Edmonds (13) 1967 William Jay Horne (37) * 1968 Walter Gates Lanford (33) * 1969 Thomas Boyle Clark Sr (31) 1970 Julius Clifford Hubbard Jr (21) * 1971 Claude Davis Robertson (19) * 1972 Robert Franklin Secrest (5) * 1973 James William Alewine (61) * 1974 James Carvus Parris (55) * 1975 Joseph Daniel Pool (47) * 1976 Willard Faroe Bond Jr (41) * 1977 Williams Scott Tyler (1) ~ 1978 James Allen Prescott (25) * 1979 Vernon Azalee Amick (5) * 1980 Fred William Batson (22) 1981 Garland Ray Marsh (7) * 1982 David Sparkman Hucks Jr (48) * 1982 H James Blake McGuirt Sr (4) * 1983 Jerry Emanuel Putnam (15) * 1984 Rufus Henry Brown (4) * 1985 Charles Elvin Jernigan (31)


~ 37 ~

GGRRAANNDD HHIIGGHH PPRRIIEESSTTSS OOFF TTHHEE GGRRAANNDD CCHHAAPPTTEERR,, RR..AA..MM.. OOFF SSOOUUTTHH CCAARROOLLIINNAA (Continued) 1986 Gordon Kent Elkins (22) * 1987 H George Wellington Romanstine (5) * 1987 Everette True Deitz (41) * 1988 Robert Shug Smith (32) 1989 V Ronald Dubose (1) * 1990 Lyle Ray Petersen (5) * 1991 Thomas Freeman Watkins (54) * 1992 H Rev Herman Dwight McAlister (31) 1992 Robert James Bean Sr (48) * 1993 Raymond Alexander Wood (5) 1994 Robert Hayward Jackson Jr (32) 1995 Larry Sylvester Rhodes (21) 1996 Lloyd Francis Christopher (1) 1997 Walter Paul Davis (61) 1998 Sam Dyar McJunkin (21) 1999 Rawl John Scheibler (5) 2000 Carl Randolph Truesdale (4) * 2001 James Richard Ruckman (25) * 2002 H Alfred Allsbrook (25) * 2002 H James Gaston Dover (41)

* 2002 Marvin Odell Burton (21) 2003 Eric Andrew Meace (64) 2004 H Joseph Leslie McGee (5) 2004 Floyd Wilson Goff Sr (4) 2005 Albert Jackson Wyatt (15) 2006 Leland Aubrey Haynes Sr (4) 2007 Robert Van Pinkston (1) 2008 Michael Edward Copeland (7) 2009 Gary Nelson Martin (55) 2010 Dana Preston Rickards (13) 2011 Charles Manuel Schofield (5) 2012 Robert James Bean Jr (35) 2013 Grady Lee Lanier (16) 2014 H Johnnie Tucker Morris (5) 2014 Marcus LeRoy Burdette (7)

GGRRAANNDD SSEECCRREETTAARRIIEESS OOFF TTHHEE GGRRAANNDD CCHHAAPPTTEERR,, RR..AA..MM.. OOFF SSOOUUTTHH CCAARROOLLIINNAA * 1812-13 John Hanmer (3) * 1813-14 John Izard Wright (1) * 1814-15 George A Fisher (3) * 1815-16 Charles S Tucker (3) * 1816-17 James Drummond (4) * 1817-18 William Waller (3) * 1818-19 John Roche (3) * 1819-22 Richard Maynard (1) * 1822-23 Horatio G Street (3) * 1823-24 Edward Hughes (1) * 1824-25 F E Deliesseline (1) * 1825-26 Horatio G Street (3) * 1826-27 James Eyland (1) * 1827-33 Moses Holbrook (9)? * 1833-41 (Dormant) * 1841-70 Ebenezer Thayer (1) * Deceased H Honorary PT Pro tem ~ Withdrew

* 1870-73 Augustine Thomas Smythe (3) * 1873-76 Myer B Moses (1) * 1876-94 J E Burke (1) * 1894-96 Albert E Fugle (5) * 1896-10 Jacob T Barron (5) * 1910-22 Oliver Frank Hart (5) * 1922-23 T Alex Hart (5) * 1923-50 Oliver Frank Hart (5) * 1950-62 Henry Fitzhugh Collins (1/5) * 1962-74 Hugh Nettles Layne (33) * 1975-80 Robert Franklin Secrest (5) * 1980-91 George W Romanstine (5) * 1991-92 Mendel Corbin Jeanes (5) * 1992-97 Robert Craig Hopple (5) 1997- Johnnie Tucker Morris (5)

AANNNNUUAALL IINNSSTTAALLLLAATTIIOONN OOFF GGRRAANNDD OOFFFFIICCEERRSS ((AALLBBEERRTT GG.. MMAACCKKEEYY -- 11885566))

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RITUAL FOR THE INSTALLATION OF THE GRAND OFFICERS OF GRAND CHAPTER

(Prepared by Companion Albert G. Mackey, M.D. and adopted by the General Grand Chapter at the triennial Convocation of 1856)

At the time appointed for the Installation, the Grand Chapter being opened in the Royal Arch degree, the Chair must be taken by some Grand or Deputy Grand High Priest, or, if none be present, by some Past Grand Officer who is or has been a High Priest. The highest Grand or Past Grand Officer present then introduces the Grand High Priest elect, divested of all the jewels and robes of his office, to the Installing Officer, saying:

Most Excellent: I hereby present before you Companion, who, having been duly elected Grand High Priest of the Royal Arch Masons of South Carolina, now declares himself ready for installation.

The Grand High Priest elect then turning and facing the Companions, the Installing Officer says:

Companions: You now behold before you Companion , who has been duly elected to preside over you as your Grand High Priest, and who now declares himself ready for installation. If any of you have any reasons to urge why he should not be installed, you will make your objections known now, or else for ever hereafter hold your peace.

If no objections are made, he will continue to say:

Hearing no objections, I shall proceed to install him.

The Installing Officer then administers the following obligation of office—all the Companions standing:

I, , do promise and swear that I will serve as Grand High Priest of the Royal Arch Masons of South Carolina, for the term for which I have been elected, and will perform all the duties of that office to the best of my abilities, and will support and maintain the Constitution of the Grand Chapter of South Carolina, and that of the General Grand Chapter of the United States. So help me God.

The Grand Chaplain shall then offer the following prayer:

Most Holy and Glorious Lord God! The Grand High Priest of Heaven and Earth! We approach thee with reverence, and implore thy blessing on the Companion appointed to preside over our Ancient Fraternity. Fill his heart with thy fear, that his tongue and actions may pronounce thy will. Make him steadfast in thy service;


~ 39 ~

grant him firmness of mind and kindness of disposition; teach him to rule his brethren, not with a rod of iron, but with justice and equity; animate his heart and strengthen his endeavors to do good. May he inculcate thy judgments and thy laws, and do all that his high office requires, with an eye single to thy glory and the good of the Craft! Bless him, and bless those whom thou hast put under him; and grant that, when we shall have finished the work of this earthly temple of our bodies, we may be admitted to the glories of that second temple of the spirit, eternal in the heavens. Glory be to God on high! Response by all the Companions:

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be. Amen. So mote it be.

The Installing Officer will then invest the G. H. P. elect with the robes and jewels of his office, after which he will deliver to him the following charge:

CHARGE TO THE MOST EXCELLENT GRAND HIGH PRIEST Most Excellent: -- By the voice of your Companions you have been chosen to occupy the most important and the most honorable office in their power to bestow; and to me has been entrusted the pleasing duty of investing you with its insignia.

You have been too long a member of our Ancient and Honorable Craft, to require now any instructions in relation to the duties of your office; and I do not doubt that you will be constant and regular in your attendance on the convocations of the Grand Chapter; watching with fidelity and diligence the conduct of the subordinate bodies within your jurisdiction; paying punctual attention to the Constitution of our Order, and requiring a due obedience to it from every member; and in all things, making the glory of the Grand High Priest of the Universe, and the good of the Craft, the chief objects of your regard.

The ancient landmarks of the Order, by which we are distinguished from the rest of the world, are peculiarly entrusted to your care; and it therefore becomes your most sacred duty to see that, during your administration, not the least of them may be removed. From our knowledge of your zeal and ability, we feel confident that you will discharge the duties of this importance station in such a manner as will greatly redound to the honor of yourself, as well as of the Fraternity over whom you have been elected to preside. Let the Mitre with which you are invested remind you of the dignity of the office you sustain, and its inscription impress upon your mind a sense of your dependence upon God; --that perfection is not given unto man upon earth; and that perfect holiness belongeth alone unto the Lord. The Breast-Plate with which you are decorated, in imitation of that upon which were engraven the names of the twelve tribes, and worn by the High Priest of Israel, is to teach you that you are always to bear in mind your responsibility to the


~ 40 ~

laws and ordinances of the Institution, and that the honor and interests of our Order and its members should be always near your heart. The various colors of the Robes you wear are emblematical of every grace and virtue which can adorn and beautify the human mind, whose cultivation and constant practice are as necessary to your own present and future happiness, as they are, by the example they will afford, to the prosperity of the Craft over whom you are placed. You will now assume your seat in the East, and instruct your subordinates in the duties which they are respectively required to discharge.

After he has taken his seat in the East, the Grand Captain of the Host will say:

Companions, in the name of the Most High God, I do hereby proclaim Companion Most Excellent Grand High Priest of the Royal Arch Masons of South Carolina, with the Grand Honors of Masonry by three times three.

The Grand Honors of R. A. Masonry are then given. The Deputy Grand High Priest is then presented to the Grand High Priest in the same way, and after taking a similar obligation, the Grand High Priest delivers the following:

CHARGE TO THE RIGHT EXCELLENT DEPUTY GRAND HIGH PRIEST

Right Excellent: , the station to which you have been called by your companions is one of great dignity and importance. In many cases, your powers and prerogatives are co-extensive with those of your chief; and at all times are you, if he be present, to assist him with your counsel and co-operation, and, in his absence, to preside over the Craft. But while your powers and privileges are thus extensive, remember that they bring with them a heavy share of responsibility. The honor that has been conferred upon you, and the trust that has been reposed in you, demand a corresponding fidelity and attachment to the interests of those to whose kindness and confidence you are indebted for your official elevation. The signification of the robes you wear, you have already heard explained. May the symbolic lessons which they convey be deeply impressed upon your mind and heart, and ever influence your conduct. The Grand King is then presented, in the following words:

Most Excellent: I here present before you Companion

, who has been duly elected to serve this Grand Chapter as Grand King, and who now declares himself ready for installation.

The Grand King elect then turning and facing the Companions, the G.H.P. says:

Companions: You now behold before you Companion ,


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who has been duly elected to serve this Grand Chapter as Right Excellent Grand King, and who now declares himself ready for installation. In any of you have any reasons to urge why he should not be installed, you will make them known now, or else for ever hereafter hold your peace.

If no objections are made, he will say:

Hearing no objections, I shall proceed to install him.

The Grand High Priest will then administer the following obligations:

I, , do promise and swear that I will serve this Grand Chapter, as Right Excellent Grand King, for the time for which I have been elected; that I will perform all the duties appertaining to that office to the best of my abilities, and will support and maintain the Constitution of the Grand Chapter of South Carolina, and that of the General Grand Chapter of the United States. So help me God.

The Grand High Priest will then cause the Grand King to be invested with the robes and jewels of his office, and deliver to him the following charge:

CHARGE TO THE RIGHT EXCELLENT GRAND KING Right Excellent Companion: The important station, to which you have been elected, requires from you exemplary conduct, and its duties demand your most assiduous attention. In the absence of the Grand High Priest and his Deputy, you are to preside; in their presence, you are to strengthen and support the authority of your chief, and to aid him by your counsel and advice. The Scarlet Robe, an emblem of royal dignity, should remind you of the paternal concern you should ever feel for our Institution and the fervency and zeal with which you should endeavor to promote its prosperity. In presenting to you the Crown, which is an emblem of royalty, I would remind you that, to reign sovereign in the hearts and affections of men, must be far more grateful to a generous and benevolent mind, than to rule over their lives and fortunes; and that, to enable you to enjoy this pre-eminence with honor and satisfaction, you must subject your own passions and prejudices to the dominion of reason and charity.

The remaining Officers are introduced and obligated in the same way, after which each receives his special charge as follows:

CHARGE TO THE RIGHT EXCELLENT GRAND SCRIBE Right Excellent Companion: -- The office of Scribe, to which you are elected, is very important and respectable. In the absence of your superior officers, you are


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bound to succeed them, and to perform their duties. The purposes of the Institution ought never to suffer for want of intelligence in its proper officers; you will therefore perceive the necessity there is of your possessing such qualifications as will enable you to accomplish those duties which are incumbent upon you, in your appropriate station, as well as those which may occasionally devolve on you, by the absence of your superiors. The Purple Robe, with which you are invested, is an emblem of union, and is calculated to remind you that the harmony and unanimity of the Order should be your constant aim; and to this end, you are studiously to avoid all occasions of giving offence, or countenancing anything that may create divisions or dissensions. You are, by all means in your power, to endeavor to establish a permanent union and good understanding among all orders and degrees of Masonry; and as the glorious sun, at its meridian height, dispels the mist and clouds which obscure the horizon, so may your exertions tend to dissipate the gloom of jealousy and discord, whenever they may appear.

CHARGE TO THE RIGHT EXCELLENT GRAND TREASURER

Right Excellent Companion: -- You have been elected to the responsible office of Grand Treasurer, and I now invest you with the badge of your office. It is your duty to receive all moneys due the Grand Chapter from the hands of the Grand Secretary; make due entries of the same; and pay them out by order of the Grand High Priest, and with the consent and approbation of the Grand Chapter. The office to which you have been elected embraces an important trust, and the choice of you by your companions is an evidence of the high opinion they entertain of your fidelity and discretion.

CHARGE TO THE RIGHT EXCELLENT GRAND SECRETARY

Right Excellent Companion: -- You have been elected to the important office of Grand Secretary, and I now invest you with the jewel of your office. It is your duty to receive all moneys due the Grand Chapter, and pay them over to the Grand Treasurer, taking his receipt for the same; to observe all the proceedings of the Grand Chapter, and to make a true record of all things proper to be written. You are also the official organ of the Grand Chapter, and in that capacity will conduct its various correspondences, and act as the medium of intercourse between the Fraternity and their presiding officer. In the discharge of these extensive duties, let your carriage and behavior be marked with that promptitude and discretion that will at once reflect credit on yourself, and honor on the body whom you represent.

ANNUAL INSTALLATION OF GRAND OFFICERS (ALBERT G. MACKEY - 1856)

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CHARGE TO THE RIGHT REV. GRAND CHAPLAIN

Right Rev. Companion: -- The sacred position of Grand Chaplain has been entrusted to your care, and I now invest you with the jewel of your office. In the discharge of your duties, you will be required to conduct the devotional exercises of our Grand Convocations, and to perform the sacred functions of your holy calling at our public seminaries. Though Masonry be not religion, it is emphatically religion’s handmaid; and I am sure that, in ministering at its altar, the services you may perform will lose nothing of their vital importance, because they are practiced in that spirit of universal tolerance which distinguishes our Institution. The doctrines of morality and virtue which you are accustomed to inculcate to the world, as the minister of God, will form the appropriate lessons which you are expected to communicate to your companions. The profession which you have chosen for your lot in life is the best guarantee that you will discharge the duties of your present appointment with steadfastness and perseverance in well doing.

CHARGE TO THE EXCELLENT GRAND CAPTAIN OF THE HOST Excellent Companion: -- The office with which you have been entrusted is of great importance, and requires much skill and attention for the faithful discharge of its duties, which are those of a marshal, or master of ceremonies. You are to superintend all processions of your Chapter, when moving as a distinct body, either in public or private; and as the world can only judge of our private discipline by our public deportment, you will be careful that the utmost order and decorum be observed on all such occasions. You will ever be attentive to the commands of your chief, and always near at hand to see them duly executed. I invest you with the badge of your office, and presume that you will give to your duties all that study and attention which their importance demands. I present you with this sword, as the appropriate implement of your office.

CHARGE TO THE EXCELLENT GRAND PRINCIPAL SOJOURNER

Excellent Companion: -- The office confided to you is one of great importance, though subordinate in degree. Occupying a station, which corresponds to that of Senior Deacon in the lower degrees, it becomes your duty to obey and extend the orders of your superiors, and to act as their proxies in the active business of the Grand Chapter. Attention, obedience, and promptitude are, therefore, essentially necessary for the faithful performance of your duties. I present you with the rod, a symbol of command, as the proper insignia of your office.


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CHARGE TO THE EXCELLENT GRAND ROYAL ARCH CAPTAIN Excellent Companion: -- The office to which you have been elected nearly corresponds to that of Junior Deacon in the inferior degrees. It is, therefore, your duty to see that the external avenues of the Chapter are securely guarded, and that none are permitted to pass or re-pass, but such as are duly qualified, and have the requisite permission. Let vigilance and attention, therefore, actuate you in the discharge of the functions of your important office; for the more faithful performance of which, I entrust this sword to your keeping.

CHARGE TO THE GRAND SENTINEL

Companion: -- You have been appointed Grand Sentinel of this Grand Chapter; and I now invest you with the jewel of your office, and place this sword in your hands, the more effectually to enable you to repel the approach of cowans and eavesdroppers, and to guard against surprise. It is your duty to guard the door of the Grand Chapter, on the outside; to report to the Grand Royal Arch Captain those who desire to be admitted; to place the Chapter-Room in order for convocations; and to attend to such other duties as may be required of you by the Grand Chapter. Your punctual attendance is essentially necessary at every convocation.

The Grand Caption of the Host then makes proclamation as follows:

By authority of the Most Excellent Grand Chapter of South Carolina, I proclaim that the Grand Officers have been installed in ample form, with the Grand Honors of Masonry, by three times three.

The public or private Grand Honors of Masonry, accordingly as the installation shall have been publicly or privately conducted, shall then be given, and the installation ceremony will be concluded. On public occasions these ceremonies may be preceded and followed by anthems, odes, and addresses, at the discretion of the Grand Chapter.

SSUUGGGGEESSTTEEDD FFOORRMM OOFF BBYY--LLAAWWSS FFOORR SSUUBBOORRDDIINNAATTEE CCHHAAPPTTEERRSS

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BY-LAWS

CHAPTER NO.

Name

Section 1. This Chapter shall be known by the name of ________________ Royal Arch Chapter No. __________.

Convocations

Section 2. The Stated Convocations shall be held on the __________ of each month at _____________ o’clock p.m. at the ________________________________. (Name and physical address of meeting place)

Section 3. The last stated Convocation preceding St. John’s Day in December of each year shall be the Annual Convocation.

Order of Business

Section 4. The Order of business at stated Convocations shall be as follows:

1. Reading and confirming minutes. 2. Receiving and referring petitions for degrees or

membership. 3. Reports of Committees on petitions. 4. Balloting. 5. Unfinished business. 6. New business. 7. Work 8. Reading minutes for correction.

Section 5. Special Convocations may be called at the pleasure

of the Excellent High Priest.

Officers

Section 6. The officers of this Chapter shall consist of those persons prescribed by the by-laws of the Grand Chapter. Section 7. The duties of the officers shall be such as are traditionally appropriate to their several stations and in accordance with the established usages of Capitular Masonry.

Section 8. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to receive all monies from the Secretary, giving his receipt for the same; to pay all orders signed by the High Priest and countersigned by the Secretary;


~~ 4466 ~~

and, annually, at the close of his official term, to make out and submit a full account of the receipts and disbursements of his office, and of the financial standing of the Chapter. For the faithful performance of his duties he shall receive the sum of _________ dollars per annum (he cannot be exempt from the payment of annual dues). He shall be bonded in the amount of ________ for the faithful discharge of his duties. The Chapter shall pay the premium thereon.

Section 9. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to keep the records and record all the proceedings of the Chapter proper to be written; to receive all monies in behalf of the Chapter, and pay them over to the Treasurer, taking his receipt for the same; to countersign all orders on the Treasurer, to make out all reports to the Grand Chapter, and at the close of his official term submit a full report in writing of all monies received and orders drawn. He shall keep a Book of Marks for the use of the members. For the faithful performance of his duties he shall receive the sum of ___________ dollars per annum (he cannot be exempt from the payment of annual dues). He shall be bonded in the amount of _________ for the faithful discharge of his duties. The Chapter shall pay the premium thereon.

Finance Committee and Audit Committee

Section 10a.A Finance Committee of three (3) Companions shall be appointed by the incoming High Priest at every Annual Convocation. They shall study the Finances of the Chapter and make a report to the Chapter and present a proposed budget along with recommendations to the Chapter at the stated Convocation of each year. Adopted 2010

Section 10b. At each Annual Convocation the High Priest shall appoint a committee of three (3) Companions as an Audit Committee whose duty it shall be to examine and audit the books and accounts of the Secretary and Treasurer. They shall have full power to require the Secretary and Treasurer at any time to give full information in relation to the funds in their hands. They shall give a full report of this Audit at the Stated Convocation in February of each year.

Adopted 2010

The Sentinel

Section 11. The Sentinel shall have charge, under direction of the High Priest, of the hall, rooms, furniture, paraphernalia, etc., of the Chapter, and shall cause them always to be kept in order for the comfort of the Companions and the convenience of the Chapter. For


~~ 4477 ~~

the faithful performance of his duties he shall receive ___________. (He cannot be exempt from the payment of annual dues.)

Petitions

Section 12. All petitions for membership or degrees must be in writing, stating age, occupation and residence of the petitioner; also the Chapter and Lodge of which he is or last was a member, and whether or not he has ever been rejected by another Chapter; must be signed by the applicant and be recommended by two Companions who are members of the Chapter. The petition shall be received and referred to a committee of three, who shall examine into the character and Masonic standing of the applicant, and report at the next stated Convocation of the Chapter, at which time a ballot shall be had if the report of the committee is favorable.

Section 13. In all cases where a petition for the degrees or for

membership is rejected, the fee accompanying such petition shall immediately be returned to the petitioner, with information of the rejection, which information shall in no case be communicated by any member of this Chapter or any visitor who may be present to one not a Royal Arch Mason, under penalty in the former case of liability to discipline and in the latter case of not being again permitted to visit the Chapter. The same shall also apply to the improper disclosure of any of the proceedings of this Chapter.

Fees and Dues

Section 14. a. The fees for the degrees in this Chapter shall be

______________ dollars, divided as follows: Fee accompanying petition ................................. $_________ Fee for the Degree of Mark Master ..................... $_________ Fee for the Degree of Past Master ...................... $ _________ Fee for the Degree of Most Excellent Master ...... $ _________ Fee for the Degree of Royal Arch ........................ $ _________ But the total fees to be charged ........................... $ _________ Which sums respectively shall be paid at or before the time of

receiving the petition or the conferring of the degree to which the payment is applicable.

b. The fee for affiliation shall be $____________, which sum

shall accompany the petition.


~~ 4488 ~~

c. Each member of this Chapter shall pay (___________) _________________ Dollars annually to the Secretary as dues, which said sum shall be paid on or before the Annual Convocation of each year, except those members participating in the Life Membership Fund. Ministers of God shall be exempt from the payment of annual dues while in this Grand Jurisdiction only.

b. Any increase in per capita to the Grand Chapter,

Royal Arch Masons of South Carolina rounded up to the next nearest dollar ($1.00) shall be automatically added to the amount of dues paid by each dues paying member.

Section 15. Any member who shall have paid dues to this

Chapter for _______ years consecutively may be exempt from the payment of all dues thereafter.

Discipline and Trials

Section 16. Any member who is in arrears for one year’s dues shall be suspended from membership unless excused by the Chapter.

Section 17. All questions of discipline and trials shall be

governed by, and in accordance with, established Masonic usage.

Withdrawals Section 18. Any Companion desirous of withdrawing from this

Chapter shall send his application for a demit in writing, through the Secretary, which shall be read at a regular Convocation, when, if any arrearages are paid, and there are no charges against him, he shall be entitled to a demit from this Chapter, to which may be added a general recommendation to the Craft by the vote of the Chapter.

Amendments

Section 19. These By-Laws may be amended at a stated Convocation by a two-thirds vote of the members present: Provided, A resolution to insert, alter or amend shall have been presented at the stated Convocation preceding the one when the vote is to be taken, and the same shall become operative when approved by the Grand High Priest.


~~ 4499 ~~

Certificate of Adoption This is to certify that the foregoing By-Laws were read at a

stated Convocation of the Chapter held ________________, and adopted by a two-thirds vote of the members present at the stated Convocation held on the ______ day of ___________, 20__.

High Priest

(Seal) Approved

Attest:

Secretary Date

Grand High Priest

(Seal) Approved

Attest:

Secretary Date

SS UU GG GG EE SS TT EE DD FFOO RR MM OO FF BB YY --LL AA WW SS FF OO RR SS UU BB OO RR DD II NN AA TT EE CC HH AA PP TT EE RR SS

~~ 5500 ~~

SUGGESTED PROPOSED BY-LAW CHANGES FOR SUBORDINATE CHAPTERS

CHAPTER NO. , R.A.M. Secretary SC

PROPOSED CHANGE AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS: Currently Reads:

Proposed:

CERTIFICATE OF ADOPTION This is to Certify that the foregoing amendment was read at the Stated Convocation held on and and duly adopted by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present at the Stated Conclave held . Signed: Attest: High Priest Approved: (Date)

Secretary (Date) Signed: Attest: Grand High Priest Approved: (Date)

Grand Secretary

(Date)

SS UU GG GG EE SS TT EE DD FFOO RR MM OO FF BB YY --LL AA WW SS FF OO RR SS UU BB OO RR DD II NN AA TT EE CC HH AA PP TT EE RR SS

~~ 5511 ~~

SUGGESTED PROPOSED BY-LAW CHANGES FOR SUBORDINATE CHAPTERS

HOPE CHAPTER NO. 75 , R.A.M. Johnnie T. Morris P. O. Box 7463 Secretary Columbia SC 803-799-9159 [email protected] 23202-7463

December 03, 2014

PROPOSED CHANGE AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS: Currently Reads: Dues Section 17. a. Each member of this Chapter shall pay ($8.00) eight Dollars annually to the Secretary as dues, which said sum shall be paid on or before the Annual Convocation of each year, except those members participating in the Life Membership Fund. Ministers of God shall be exempt from the payment of annual dues while in this Grand Jurisdiction only. b. Any increase in per capita to the Grand Chapter, Royal Arch Masons of South Carolina shall be automatically added to the amount of dues paid by each dues paying member.

Proposed: Dues Section 17. a. Each member of this Chapter shall pay ($9.00) Nine Dollars annually to the Secretary as dues, which said sum shall be paid on or before the Annual Convocation of each year, except those members participating in the Life Membership Fund. Ministers of God shall be exempt from the payment of annual dues while in this Grand Jurisdiction only. b. Any increase in per capita to the Grand Chapter, Royal Arch Masons of South Carolina or the Rent or Assessment for the usage of meeting facilities rounded off to the nearest Dollar ($1.00) shall be automatically added to the amount of dues paid by each dues paying member.

CERTIFICATE OF ADOPTION This is to Certify that the foregoing amendment was read at the Stated Convocation held on and and duly adopted by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present at the Stated Conclave held . Signed: Attest: High Priest (Date)

Secretary (Date) Signed: Attest: Grand High Priest Approved: (Date)

Grand Secretary

(Date)


~~ 5522 ~~

CERTIFICATION OF NEWLY ELECTED AND INSTALLED OFFICERS

Section V

Chartered Chapters – Their Government 2. The election of the High Priest, King, Scribe, Treasurer and Secretary shall be by a majority vote by ballot and shall take place at the stated Convocation next preceding the festival of St John the Evangelist (December) or at the prior Convocation (November) and the officers-elect shall be installed as soon after the election as possible and on or before such festival, and such Officers shall hold office for the space of one year from the festival of St. John the Evangelist next succeeding their election, and until their successors shall have been duly elected and installed. Immediately after the installation the Secretary of each Chapter shall forward to the Grand Secretary of the Grand Chapter a certificate in the following form: “I hereby certify that on the Day of last, was elected High Priest, , King , Scribe, of Chapter No. and that they have been regularly installed as such. Dated at: this Day of . Secretary:

If new Secretary was elected, his name:

(Address)

* (From page 11 of the By-Laws) (Form for Chapter, Council & Commandery is on scgyr.org website in Forms Section on the Home Page)

THE LAW - South Carolina Grand York Rite · PDF file~ 2 ~ The Law of the Grand Royal Arch...

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Transcript of THE LAW - South Carolina Grand York Rite · PDF file~ 2 ~ The Law of the Grand Royal Arch...